STEP 1 Make a list of all the vegetables, herbs and other plants that you plan to make signs for. Print out the list in the font size that you plan to transfer onto your stakes. Tip: It’s helpful to choose a purposely-imperfect font because the font imperfections help to disguise any slip-ups made by an unpracticed hand.

STEP 2 Take the printed list and, using scissors, cut out each vegetable, herb and plant. Make sure that this label will fit onto the stake.

STEP 3 Lightly sand the surface of the stakes. The smoother the surface, the easier it is to burn steady, even lines with your wood-burning tool.

STEP 4 Flip each label over face-down and use a pencil to shade the back of each word.

STEP 5 Tape the label onto the stake, making sure the lettering is evenly centered.

STEP 6 Applying medium pressure, use the pencil to trace the outline of your letters. Take care not to move the label around while you’re tracing it.

STEP 7 Remove the label. The outline of your letters should be revealed.

STEP 8 Working in a well ventilated area, turn on your wood-burning tool to the proper wood-heat setting. Allow ample time for it to fully heat up. Be sure to use the tool stand that comes with your kit to rest the tool while not in use. Use caution, as the tip of the tool will be incredibly hot. Tip: It’s helpful to practice using the different tips that your wood-burning tool comes with, in order to figure out which tip you prefer working with. Practice a while on scrap wood before using the tool on your stakes.

STEP 9 Once your wood-burning tool is properly heated, use it to carefully outline the lettering onto the stake and then fill in the middle areas of each letter evenly.